If you were planning to retire next year, double check your math because a law passed in the ’80s is annually raising the age when Americans can collect their full Social Security benefits. And next year is no exception.

In 2024, the life expectancy for someone born in 1959 was 74 for men and 80.1 for women, according to a Social Security report. The report predicts continuing increases in life expectancy, which translates into even more years that beneficiaries will receive Social Security checks.

Many people think of 65 as retirement age. But for people born in 1960 or later, you'll now have to wait until 67.

Your full retirement age (FRA) is the age at which you'll collect 100% of your benefit based on your work history. This age varies by birth year, but it's age 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later. Those born before 1960 will have a FRA of either 66 or 66 and a few months.

The new Social Security Fairness Act was just signed into law by President Biden. What is the Act and how could it impact your Social Security benefits in 2025?

A half-dozen changes, concerning everything from Social Security checks to the payroll tax select workers will owe, are now in effect.

Note that as of November, the average monthly Social Security benefit was $1,925 -- or about $23,000 annually. Of course, if you've earned more than average in your working life, you'll receive more,